Nevertheless, She Persisted.

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“She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” -Mitch McConnell

This new battle cry has been one of the most important reminders from all of the latest political unrest. It has given us countless examples of what courage looks like; continuing the fight in the face of fear and obstacles and monsters. With critics in the front row seat; but also with our tribe cheering loudly from the stands and walking right beside us. Nevertheless, she persisted. A reminder that this “political” fight is not only universal, it’s also personal. We must keep fighting to tell our stories. Persistence; a decision that requires a perpetual commitment. A decision made with every small step we take. It’s hard some days to keep moving forward; to place one foot in front of the other while also remembering to breathe. But in these times, it becomes imperative to stay awake; if we are not aware and accepting of our current footing we cannot continue stepping forward. An alignment between being open to change while continuing to fight for what we truly believe. Persistence grounded in awareness gives us the ability to make change; as we have been shown time and time again by the great women in our history and the new leaders of today.

“What you do everyday matters more than what you do once in a while.” -Gretchen Rubin

Staying persistent in our own journey requires balance; resting for strength, holding the space for the fire in our bellies. And a steady awareness of both the monsters and the magic that surround us in every moment. It’s the monsters that make the magic even stronger. In order to tell our story, we must remain relentless. Pushing past the doubt and fear that can easily creep in. Our decisions define our path. And we must remember to persist beyond the excuses and the critics and the obstacles and push through to the other side. You can always find a reason not to do something. Life will give you endless chances to walk away. Nevertheless, we must persist. What matters more are the reasons for doing something. There have been a number of times in my life when that reason was simply a firm belief deep in my bones. Oddly enough, those decisions have proven to be some of the most important to my story. (If it’s not obvious, I’m a big believer in going with your gut; no such thing as coincidence, as they say.) It doesn’t matter what your reason is; just keep moving forward.

“Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” -Victor Kiam

Fighting requires us to be unshakeable in our decision not to walk away from ourselves. And I’m not saying it is always easy or that it is without struggle. In my experience, it’s quite the opposite. This decision always includes struggle; there will always be obstacles. Both politically and personally. But persistence to continue the battle through pain and fear leads to connection and through connection we can find compassion and love and tribe. Somehow the arena with the biggest battles becomes almost like home; but not without persistence. And definitely not without hope; an undying belief that we are worthy and we have the strength and skills to continue the fight. Many times we uncover our biggest magic in the midst of the fight; and it builds our strength to continue the fight alongside our tribe for whatever it is that breaks our heart. It’s okay to be afraid – to be tired – to be angry – to carry doubt. But please don’t stop fighting. We need you; this fight requires each and every warrior. Nevertheless, we must continue to persist. No matter the explanations we are given.

“We are made to persist. That’s how we find out who we are.” -Tobias Wolff